Current Press Release
February 27, 2012
Interview:
Bobby Peterson (608) 261-6939 ext. 201 or (608) 444-7197 (cell)
Brynne McBride (608) 261-6939 ext. 210 or (608) 279-2426 (cell)
Contrasting Views on Medicaid and Health Reform
HHS Regional Director Ken Munsion and Wisconsin DHS Secretary Dennis Smith Headline Conference
Madison, WI –The 5th Annual HealthWatch Wisconsin conference kicks off this afternoon in Madison. “Our conference participants will learn the stark contrast in views about the future of health reform, Medicaid programs, and health care policies unique to the people of Wisconsin,” stated Public Interest Attorney Bobby Peterson. The conference will include policy-makers, health care advocates, and consumers to share information and learn about emerging new policies and the latest strategies to help people secure needed health care coverage and services.
The HealthWatch Wisconsin Conference convenes today at 1pm until 4:30pm and runs 9am-4:30pm Tuesday, February 28, 2012. All sessions will be at the Best Western Inn on the Park in Madison. Registration is available at the door.
The conference includes sessions on helping consumers navigate public and private benefit programs as well as sessions on state and national health policy initiatives. “Wisconsin families face confusion over the next few months with health programs facing change and health reform efforts largely frozen by the Walker administration. Hearing directly from our legislators and policy makers is so important for all of us,” says Peterson. In addition, a plenary session will profile new and startling information on unique and harmful Wisconsin policies related to Medicaid birth cost recovery. The session will examine possible implications for infant mortality rates in our state.
Public Hearing: HealthWatch Wisconsin will sponsor a public hearing on the impact of BadgerCare and Medicaid programs on the people of Wisconsin. The hearing is free and open to the public, running Tuesday, February 28 from 2:30 to 4:00pm, also at the Inn on the Park in Madison.
If You Go:
What: The 5th Annual HealthWatch Wisconsin Conference
Date: Monday, February 27, 2012, 1:00pm-4:30pm; Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 9:00am-4:30pm
Place: Best Western Inn on the Park (22 S. Carroll St., Madison)
Register: There is a cost to attend the full conference, but the public hearing on Tuesday is free and open to the public. Space is limited, but there is an opportunity to register at the door.
Online: Conference agenda and registration information is online: www.healthwatchwisconsin.org
ABC for Health, Inc. is a Wisconsin-based, nonprofit, public interest law firm dedicated to linking children and families, particularly those with special health care needs, to health care benefits and services. ABC for Health’s mission is to provide information, advocacy tools, legal services and expert support needed to obtain, maintain, and finance health care coverage and services.
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